KOZHIKODE

Kozhikode also known as Calicut is famous in the history for once it was the capital of the powerful Zamorin Rajas and a prominent trade and commerce center. It was one of the great ports on the west coast and is a port of call for cargo streamers even today. There are a number of temples, mosques and churches, some of which have historical importance. Today lush green countryside serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode a popular destination.

Accessing Kozhikode

By Air
Karipur is the nearest airport.

By Rail
Calicut railway station is linked by rail to major cities and tourist centers in India.

By Road
There are both government run and private bus service to all the major cities and tourist centers. For local transport there are yellow top and tourist taxis, buses and auto rickshaws.

Places of Attraction

Dolphin’s Point: Here one can see in the early hours of the morning dolphins playing in the sea.

Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery (5 kms from Kozhikode): The museum is located at East Hill and is run by the State Archeological Department. On display here are copies of ancient murals, antique bronzes, old coins, excavated earthenware models of temples etc.

Beypore (10 kms south of Kozhikode): It is a small coastal town in Kozhikode. It is famous as a ship-building center and still famous for its country crafts called ‘URU’ built by the traditional ship builders known as ‘Khalasis’. Beypore is still the favourite destination among Arabs shopping for large boats.

Thikkoti Light House: The lighthouse, which overloads Valliyamkallu off Moodadi coast was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region around the Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: The estuary at Kadalundi is a haven for migratory birds.

Tusharagiri: As the name suggests lands and water have struck an extraordinary kinship here. Tusharagiri is located near Vythiri in Wayanad. These pristine and dense evergreen forests are populated with exotic birds and wildlife.

Peruvannamuzhi: The peruvannamuzhi dam site set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir here provide facilities for speed and row boat cruises during which one can see the Smarakathottam - a garden built in memory of the freedom fighter of the region.

Kuttichira: The stone inscriptions found in the Muccunti mosque at Kuttichira reveal an interesting aspect in the history of the Zamorins of Kozhikode and their patronage of Islam in Kerala. The architecture of this and other old mosques in Kozhikode bear great resemblance to the typical Hindu temple complex with pillars, ventilators and huge tanks, as well as decorative features such as stylized floral carvings and geometric designs.

Mishkal Masjid, Kuttichira: It is one of the oldest mosques in the city. This four storeyed structure supported by wooden pillars proudly proclaims the architectural splendors of yester years. The mosque is named after the rich trader who built it.

Buddha Vihar: This temple houses a good collection of writings on the Buddha.

St.Mary’s Church: The church was founded in 1860 for the civil members of the collectorate and the English military. In the cemetery adjacent to the church, there is a tomb dated 1717.

Mother of God Church: This church built in the Roman architectural styles dates back to 1513 AD and is the only one of its kind in Kerala. A portrait of St.Mary, more than 200 years old, makes it a famous pilgrim center.

In the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the West and the proud peaks of the Wayanad Hills on the East, this district has all the elements that fascinate a visitor.